Trailing 3-0, the Cougars took possession at their own 39-yard line with 28 seconds left in the second quarter. But BYU caught lightning in a bottle: Three consecutive completions from Taysom Hill to Cody Hoffman quickly pushed the Cougars deep into Utah State territory.

Following a timeout Hill punctuated the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to receiver JD Falslev near the left pylon. BYU kicker Riley Stephenson missed the ensuing PAT, however, so the Cougars headed into the locker room at halftime with only a 6-3 lead.

With 7:47 left in the fourth quarter the Aggies had a chance to tie the game. However, Utah State kick Josh Thompson could not connect on a 38-yard field goal attempt.

Although BYU outgained the Aggies, 384 yards to 243, the Cougars failed to score more points in large part because of a poor outing from Sorensen. The junior kicker had a 34-yard field goal attempt blocked with roughly five minutes left in the second quarter. And by the time the third quarter rolled around, BYU coaches had so little confidence in Sorensen that they opted for a fake field goal instead of letting him attempt a kick from 25 yards — and the trick play failed.

In the first quarter, Thompson booted a 26-yard field goal for a 3-0 lead. Utah State started the series at its own 43-yard line; its methodical drive covered 13 plays and 49 yards.

Hill finished the night 24-of-36 for 235 passing yards with a touchdown and an interception; he also gained 80 rushing yards on 19 carries. His top targets included Hoffman (eight catches, 114 yards) and Kaneakua Friel (five receptions, 53 yards).

Popular Comments

Mendenhall and Anderson, that was a coaching clinic. Big time kudos to
Mendenhall's coaching at the end of the 1st half, textbook! It turned out
to be the difference in the game. So glad he didn't decide to run out the
clock. Great Job
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11:58 p.m. Oct. 5, 2012

Top comment

BlueHusky

Mission Viejo, CA

Really tough game. As I expected it would be D who kept BYU in the game. This is
a seriously great defense. It will keep BYU in games all year. USU's
defense was also excellent, but I think the raw QB was also a factor in
BYU's inability
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5:01 p.m. Oct. 6, 2012

Top comment

Hawkeye79

Iowa City, IA

So, considering how close each of the in-state games were this year, how do you
propose determining which team is the best in the state?

Personally,
I propose giving it to the only team that didn't feel like it had to rush
the field
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